Donald Russell Beeson

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Donald Russell Beeson (0-112005), Lieutenant, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier- based Navy Torpedo Plane and Division Leader of a Flight of Torpedo Squadron EIGHTY-THREE (VT-83), embarked from the U.S.S. ESSEX (CV-9), in the fleet action in the East China Sea on 7 April 1945. Lieutenant Beeson skillfully and courageously led his division in a low level coordinated torpedo attack against major units of a task force of the enemy fleet including a battleship, cruisers, and destroyers. During the action he attacked the enemy battleship in the face of intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire, scoring a direct hit with his torpedo which contributed materially to the sinking of the vessel. His skill and courage were at all times in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Commander, Fast Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 0792 (July 6, 1945)